Why anyone would paint over window panes is beyond me. But that’s exactly what someone did to this window that I bought at a salvage yard for $20. It took a couple hours to scrape away all the stray paint and caulking, but the effort was totally worth it, considering I now have a fun beach-themed shadowbox. I tore all the tropical photos out of travel magazines. I can think of many other uses for salvaged windows, so there might be more window projects to come.

How to make a shadowbox window frame

Supplies

painter’s tape

primer

latex paint

window cleaner and paper towels

masking tape

double-sided mounting tape

cardboard (one piece big enough to insert in the back of the window frame)

fabric (large enough to cover the cardboard)

photos, postcards, seashells, or other memorabilia

Tools

paint scraper

paint brush

vacuum

utility knife and/or X-Acto knife

self-healing mat

scissors

pencil

metal ruler

iron and ironing board

1. Using a paint scraper, remove all the stray paint and caulking. Vacuum up the paint dust and scrub the window clean.

2. OK, now I know why a lazy painter would skip this step. Taping off each window pane is tedious (but necessary) work. The fastest and most precise method is to tape all four sides of one pane letting the excess tape overlap, trim each end with an X-Acto knife, then move to the next pane.

3. Fill and sand holes, as necessary. Wipe clean. Paint one coat of primer. Let dry. Paint two coats of paint. Let dry overnight. Flip it over, and repeat on the other side.

4. Carefully peel off the tape when the paint is dry.

5. Using a utility knife, metal ruler, and self healing mat, measure and cut a large piece of cardboard to fit the opening in the back of the window. I got this large piece of cardboard from Freecycle.

6. Iron a piece of fabric that’s large enough to cover the front of the cardboard and wrap around the edge at least an inch.

7. Wrap the fabric around the front of the cardboard. Tape the overlap to the back with masking tape.

8. Insert the fabric-wrapped cardboard into the window to make sure it fits. Lay on your work surface and arrange your photos and memorabilia as desired. Then move the window aside.

9. Using double-sided mounting tape, affix the photos and other items in place.

10. Insert the piece of cardboard in the window. Mine was such a snug fit that it stayed in place on its own. If yours is loose, you can tape or screw the cardboard in place.

11. I leaned mine against the wall, but you could also hang it vertically or horizontally with two keyhole fasteners. Hang from a stud or use a drywall anchors or molly bolts.

Tina said,

Sarah said,

I really like this project. The previous owners of our house replaced all the windows, which was a good idea for the energy savings. All the old paned windows are in the attic and I’ve been dreaming up projects for using them. I’ve had something like this in mind and it’s nice to find someone who’s already done it and is willing to share how. It will save me some time.

I’ve got a crowd of these in my garage! I usually just hang them up for the architectural interest, but I really like your idea. Thanks!

I found the MOST BEAUTIFUL arched window on the curb last spring. Someone had painted and stenciled over all the beautiful bubble antique glass. Lots of rubbing alcohol and scraping, and I’ve got that window clean and snappy. It does take a ton of effort, but as you’ve shown, so worth it.

Amy said,

That’s an awesome window. I’ve never seen one like that with 10 small frames like that. Great find! I saw that you taped off all the glass; you are more patient than I! I heard someone say that if you put Vasaline along the edges of the glass, the paint won’t stick to the glass and you can just wipe it right off when you are done painting. I havn’t tried it myself though….

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said,

Hi. Great post. I have a blog about home and garden projects and decor. This project was very creative, and I shared it with the readers of my blog today. I didn’t see what your policy was on that. I linked my posting to your blog in several locations making sure that your website received credit, but wanted to make sure that you were aware and make sure that this was acceptable to you.

Should you ever wish to link to one of my articles, it would be perfectly fine, as long as you follow suit in crediting my blog for the article.

It’s beautiful, I love the beachy theme. I also LOVE your fence in the first picture. Your yard looks so pretty…so green. My whole county must be washed out, because I immediately get sucked into greenery. =) Thanks again for sharing another gorgeous craft with us, I’ll be linking.

I just wanted to let you know that I fell in love with your salvaged cupboard door turned serving tray. . . it’s so beautiful, I can’t stand it! So I tried to make one similar.. of course it didn’t turn out half as gorgeous, but I wanted you to know I posted it on my blog, and linked up to your post as well. Thanks so much for the inspiring idea, you’re so wonderful!! (I hope that’s ok that I copied your idea, and also that I posted your picture on my blog.. let me know otherwise)

Really cool idea. I googled window cleaning and came accross this blog, and what caught my eye was the scraping involved for getting the paint off the windows itself. You did a great job with this. Well done.

Molli said,

What a neat way to display photos! I’m a photographer’s daughter, so I’ve got no shortage of pretty pictures, but a constant lack of creative ideas on how to display them creatively. Thanks for another idea!